Fidelity Bank donates $9K for historic Crocker Field renovation

LEOMINSTER — Fidelity Bank recently announced it has pledged $9,000 to support the restoration of historic Crocker Field in Fitchburg.

According to a press release the funding is part of a $3.1 million capital campaign to increase equitable access to the field, promote educational and cultural experiences for children and young adults, and positively impact the economic health of Fitchburg’s downtown area.

“Our employees, families, friends, and neighbors have enjoyed participating in games and events over the years at Crocker Field,” Fidelity Bank CEO and Chair Ed Manzi, Jr. relayed in the release. “As part of our LifeDesign promise to be the most caring bank in the community, this donation provides direct value to both our people and the greater community. While this donation will support Crocker Field, we know it will add to the ongoing renewal of the city’s Upper Common neighborhood and downtown areas.”

First built in 1918 on land donated by Alvah Crocker, the field is on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as the hub for outdoor sports and physical education activities for the Fitchburg school system and many other youth sports organizations over the years.

In addition to serving as the battleground between the Leominster High School Blue Devils and Fitchburg High School Red Raiders annual Thanksgiving Day football game for more than 120 years, the field is also host to Fitchburg Public Schools’ All School Relays, a venue for the Special Olympics, and various public ceremonies including the Fitchburg High School graduation ceremony.

“We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for their commitment to helping us enhance the history of Crocker Field with modern amenities, including a multipurpose artificial turf field, new stadium lights and track, among other improvements,” Crocker Field Restoration Committee President Richard Kazanjian stated in the release.